During these last days of Summer, although the swallows are planning their departure from Capistrano, and the buzzards have departed Hinkley, the Buyers have made their way back into the market and are showing no signs of departing anytime soon. With near-historically low lender interest rates and a high desire by lenders to make loans, Buyer activity in the market has increased to near-normal levels and real estate is moving.
Meanwhile, real estate values, which showed some decline last Spring and early Summer, have definitely plateaued at this time. Many Sellers believe that the rate of increase of the last few years' property values is continuing and anticipate a continuing upward trend. Pricing their properties in this belief has proven a disappointment, with any offers they may have received being generally well below their expectations. Prices of many of the currently available properties that have been on the market for a period of time are being reduced by their Sellers. In almost every instance, the reason anything does not sell is because it is priced too high! Location, condition, functional useability, all have an effect on a property's value. You cannot expect a home within 20 minute's drive of the Downtown Metro area to have the same value if it were located 45 minutes away, all other things being equal.

As Realtors, we are expected to give you an honest opinion as to the value of your property based on a thorough, honest and realistic Comparative Market Analysis. This value is based on information from many sources and is generally quite accurate. People believe the advice they obtain from their doctor, lawyer, accountant, or stock broker. Why not their Realtor?

If you are considering selling now, or in the near future, please be aware of the existing market conditions and properly position your property in the market. You will find that you will benefit by a much more timely sale - and don't forget! You have the same advantage as a Buyer of your next property: lower prices, easy loan qualification, lower interest rates

If you are thinking about buying or selling, please call us to discuss any questions you may have. We will be happy to assist you by providing you with information on real estate, individual properties, the market, lenders, special buyer programs; we know real estate, it's our business - our only business!